Should I be wary of buying a Ford Focus listed as 'Trade-In to Clear'?

I'm interested in a Ford Focus Zetec 2001 1.6L which has done 97,000 miles. The trader wants £1450 but it is listed as 'Trade-In to Clear' and I was wondering if this is a category I should be wary about? I also enquired about a warranty but was told that the car was too old. Finally, do you have any advice for tracking down someone to carry out a vehicle check outside of the AA and RAC?

Asked on 29 June 2010 by observatory

Answered by David Ross
Trade-in to clear just means that someone traded in this Focus to buy something else with that dealer - and the trader wants to sell it on quickly. It's really just an advertising plot like putting 'clearance sale' in the window of a shop. In terms of getting someone to do a vehicle check, local garages are always a good bet. Here's our list of recommended garages: honestjohn.co.uk/directory/
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